For four years the Pflugerville High softball team has known it could count on the steady play of shortstop Tori Gomez and for four years Gomez has delivered for the Panthers. Nothing has changed in this, her senior season. In no small part due to her contributions, Pflugerville is undefeated in district play and appears headed back to the playoffs.

“We’ve had a lot of bonding experiences which have helped,” Gomez said. “We have played better this year. We have had some tough times but they have brought us together.”

Gomez is one of five seniors on the Panther squad. Most of them have been on the varsity their entire careers and they have been responsible for helping return the Panthers to a position of prominence in Central Texas softball.

“Our seniors give us drive and leadership which is definitely a big help,” she said.

Gomez believes the familiarity they group has with each other is a big help.

“We’ve played together for the last four years,” she said. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We all help encourage and lead the team.”

Gomez has enjoyed a good season with some big hits. None have been bigger, however, than the grand slam she belted against Bowie.

“It brought me a lot of confidence,” she said. “I know if I set my mind to it, I will succeed.”

Gomez began playing softball when she was nine years old. She says her father got her involved in the sport.

“I went out with my dad and played with him,” she said. “He taught me everything I know. I’ve worked with my dad a lot. Without him I would not have the talent or the drive I do now.”

She says that competing is her favorite thing about playing.

“The greatest thing is when you step in the batter’s box,” she said. “You are going one-on-one with another competitor. If you do your job then you succeed.”

Gomez will attend Texas Women’s University in Denton to continue her softball career in the fall. She said once she visited the school she was hooked.

“The campus was beautiful,” Gomez said. “I knew I wanted to be there. The coaching staff and the team were awesome. I’m super-excited to start playing there.”

With her college plans set, Gomez has plenty of time to focus on helping the Panthers finish the season and reach their ultimate goal, to win state.

“Our top goal is to make it to state and be successful,” she said. “The last two years we went out in the second round. This year we have the potential, talent and drive. We know that’s what we can do. We can be the new state champs.”